AirPods don't connect directly to PS5, but you have working alternatives

AirPods will not pair with a PS5 using Bluetooth the way they pair with an iPhone or Mac. Sony's console uses a proprietary Bluetooth audio codec that AirPods don't support, so even if you hold down the pairing button, your AirPods won't show up in the PS5's Bluetooth menu. This is a real limitation, not a bug — it's how PlayStation designed the system.

You do have options though. You can use a USB wireless adapter, connect through your TV's audio output, or use a third-party Bluetooth adapter designed for this exact problem. Each route has different trade-offs in setup time, cost, and audio quality.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods cannot pair directly with PS5 because the console uses a Bluetooth codec AirPods don't recognize.
  • A USB wireless adapter like the Twelve South AirFly Pro lets you connect AirPods through the PS5's USB port instead of Bluetooth.
  • Connecting AirPods through your TV's audio output works if your TV has Bluetooth, but adds a step and may introduce audio delay.
  • Standard PlayStation headsets and controllers with built-in audio will always work without any adapter or workaround.

Using a USB wireless adapter with your PS5

A USB wireless adapter is the most reliable way to use AirPods on PS5. The adapter plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports on the back or front, and your AirPods pair with the adapter itself rather than the console. The adapter then sends the audio signal to the PS5. The Twelve South AirFly Pro is the most common choice for this — it costs around $50 and works with AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

To set it up: plug the adapter into a PS5 USB port, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for a few seconds, then hold the AirFly's pairing button until the light blinks. Your AirPods will connect to the adapter. Once paired, the AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the PS5.

The trade-off is that you're adding a small device to your setup, and you need to keep the adapter charged. But this method works reliably for both game audio and chat, and the audio quality is the same as using AirPods anywhere else.

Connecting through your TV's Bluetooth

If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair your AirPods directly to the TV instead of the PS5. The TV will then send the PS5's audio output to your AirPods. This requires no extra hardware, which is the main advantage.

The catch is that your TV has to support Bluetooth audio output — many TVs have Bluetooth for receiving signals from remotes or soundbars, but not for sending audio to headphones. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm. Even if it does support it, there's often a slight delay between what you see on screen and what you hear, which can be annoying in fast-paced games.

To try this route: go into your TV's Bluetooth settings, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the TV's menu. Then play audio through the PS5 as normal. If your TV doesn't have Bluetooth audio output, this won't work.

Why PS5 doesn't support AirPods natively

PlayStation 5 uses the LDAC Bluetooth codec for wireless audio, which is designed for low latency — meaning the sound reaches your ears almost instantly after the game produces it. This matters in competitive games where a delay of even 100 milliseconds can affect your reaction time. AirPods use Apple's AAC codec instead, and the two don't translate.

Sony could have added support for AirPods' codec, but that would mean either accepting higher latency or using more power. Instead, they chose to stick with their own standard and let third-party adapters bridge the gap for people who want to use non-PlayStation headsets.

Other headsets that work directly with PS5

If you're open to using different headphones, several options connect directly to the PS5 without adapters. The PlayStation Link wireless headsets — like the Sony Inzone H9 or H7 — pair directly with the console and work immediately. Many gaming headsets from brands like SteelSeries, HyperX, and Corsair also have PS5 compatibility built in.

Standard wired headphones work too if you plug them into the PS5 controller's 3.5mm jack, though fewer controllers have this jack now. You can also use any Bluetooth headset that supports the LDAC codec, though these are less common and usually more expensive than standard options.

Troubleshooting if your adapter isn't working

If you've plugged in a USB adapter and your AirPods still won't pair, first check that the adapter itself is charged and powered on — some adapters have a small LED that shows their status. Then restart the pairing process: put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the case for 10 to 15 seconds until the light flashes white, not amber.

If the adapter pairs with your AirPods but the PS5 doesn't produce sound, go to Settings > Sound > Output Devices on the PS5 and make sure the USB adapter is selected, not the HDMI output. Some adapters also have their own app or settings — check the manufacturer's instructions to see if you need to adjust anything on the adapter side.

If you're still stuck, try unplugging the adapter, restarting the PS5, and plugging it back in. Most USB adapters are plug-and-play, so a restart usually clears any connection hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will PS5 ever support AirPods directly?

Sony hasn't announced plans to add AirPods support to PS5. The codec mismatch is a deliberate design choice, not a temporary limitation. If you want to use AirPods with PS5, a USB adapter is your best bet.

Can I use AirPods for chat and game audio at the same time?

Yes, if you're using a USB adapter. The adapter handles both the game audio and party chat. With a TV Bluetooth connection, you'll only get game audio, not chat from other players.

Do I need a special adapter or will any Bluetooth adapter work?

Not all Bluetooth adapters work with PS5. The adapter needs to be compatible with the PS5's USB ports and support the audio formats the console uses. The Twelve South AirFly Pro is the most tested option, but check the product description to confirm PS5 compatibility before buying.

Is there audio delay when using an adapter?

A good USB adapter like the AirFly Pro has minimal delay — usually under 100 milliseconds, which is imperceptible in most games. TV Bluetooth connections tend to have more noticeable delay, sometimes 200 to 300 milliseconds.

Can I use AirPods Max with PS5?

Yes, AirPods Max will work with the same USB adapter method as regular AirPods. The pairing process is identical — plug in the adapter, put the Max in pairing mode, and connect through the adapter.